Handelsbanken Posts Higher Q2 Profit

Swedish bank Svenska Handelsbanken AB

reported a surge in its second-quarter net profit. Handelsbanken's quarterly net profit gained to SEK3.70 billion, from SEK3.33 billion, in the year-ago period. However, analysts were expecting a profit of SEK3.42 billion. Its net interest income increased to SEK6.67 billion from SEK6.58 billion, versus estimates of SEK6.63 billion. Handelsbanken's net loan losses increased to SEK306 million from SEK288 million. Handelsbanken shares closed at $21.56 yesterday.